Business Tech Roundup: ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode Is Fun And “Just A Bit Creepy”

(This column originally appeared in Forbes)

Here are five things in tech that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?

1 – A tech columnist uses ChatGPT's advanced voice mode and says it's fun, and just a bit creepy.

Reece Rogers of Wired detailed his experience with using OpenAI’s advanced voice mode feature for ChatGPT. His overall takeaway was amusement by the chatbot’s impromptu responses in Spanish and forgoing on singing a tune at Rogers’s request. The creepiness he noted was a “white static noise” that came in at certain intervals. Mostly he enjoyed experimenting with various commands and was impressed with its voice simulations. These advancements have generated some concern as OpenAI has identified risks of engaging with GPT-4o. Developers reported observations of users “anthropomorphizing” the chatbot and showing emotional connections during test sessions. OpenAI plans to study the effects further and explore ways to mitigate these risks. (Source: Wired; TechRadar)

Why this is important for your business:

What a time we’re living in! AI’s advanced voice mode for now is fun to use personally and I suggest trying it out as an interpreter, a teacher, a confidant, an assistant (but don’t get too emotionally attached). The prospects of this technology’s businesses uses is overwhelming – it’ll be in robots, machines, devices and other formerly inanimate objects in our offices and shops and will change the way we work.

2 – EY exec: In three or four years, 'we won't even talk about AI.'

Ken Englund – leader of Ernst & Young’s Americas Technology Growth department – was interviewed on the topic of AI integration into the workforce. Englund discussed results from an EY survey that showed companies are tasked with restructuring their teams to keep pace with the technology. He shared his perspective on proactive steps employees need to take to strengthen their roles and “stay relevant” as AI continues to reshape the workplace. Eventually the technology will become so embedded it will be a seamless routine as opposed to challenging. Englund said, “…if we fast-forward three or four years from now, we won’t even talk about AI.” (Source: Computerworld)

Why this is important for your business:

Englund is 100 percent correct. AI is getting a lot of attention because it’s new, exciting and not just a little scary. But ultimately – like all other software features (and AI is nothing more than a feature) – the technology will just be part of everything we do and accepted as normal and usual.

3 – Google Meet will take notes for you now, thanks to AI.

Google Meet now offers users an AI-powered feature that can automatically take notes during meetings – part of Google’s broader integration of AI across its Workspace applications. The AI can identify key points, decisions, and action items during the meeting and compile them into organized notes. This is expected to be especially useful for professionals who need to keep track of multiple meetings and ensure nothing important is missed. (Source: ZDNet)

Why this is important for your business:

I’ve used it and – for a generative AI feature – it works pretty well. Microsoft, Zoom and other meeting platforms offer similar functionality. Regardless of the meeting software your company uses, this type of feature should always be turned on. It will improve the productivity and the accuracy of your meetings.

4 – Shake Shack customers can now get meals via Serve Robotics.

New York City-based Shake Shack is now offering meal deliveries via autonomous robots from Serve Robotics in the Los Angeles area, specifically through Uber Eats. Customers can choose the "robot" delivery option within the app. This service expansion is part of Serve Robotics' broader plan to deploy 2,000 robots by 2025 across the U.S. The initiative reflects Shake Shack's commitment to innovative guest experiences and is managed through Uber Eats, which handles all delivery logistics, including robot integration. (Source: The Robot Report)

Why this is important for your business:

Can you say “PR campaign?” Companies like Shake Shack introduce stuff like this to get media attention. Autonomous delivery robots are a gimmick and contribute nothing to their profitability.

5 – Workday's new AI-powered HR solutions aims to transform talent acquisition and management.

HR and finance management system Workday has introduced new AI-powered HR solutions aimed at improving talent acquisition and management. (Source: FutureCIO)

Why this is important for your business:

According to the company, the solutions – HiredScore AI for Recruiting and Talent Mobility – help organizations enhance productivity, reduce time-to-hire, and improve both candidate and employee experiences. The tools offer features like AI-driven candidate-job matching, talent rediscovery, and personalized career development opportunities, increasing internal job application rates and aiding managers in guiding employee growth.